Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb expects a transformed Daniel Hill to lead Alabama's rushing resurgence, praising the powerful back’s newfound agility and intelligence as a secret offensive weapon.
The state of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s running game has been in flux since the end of last season.
Which is why offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was asked about it on the second day of fall camp.
“Simplify and do your best stuff,” Grubb said of the running backs. “Don't get an inch deep and a mile wide. Do what you're good at and be great at it. And [Offensive Line Coach, Adrian] Klemm has done an excellent job with helping build that. And between him and [tight ends coach] Rich Owens, I'm super excited to work with those two guys and resurrecting the run game, and we will.”
Grubb was adamant though, that running back Daniel Hill was going to be someone that surprises a lot of people.
“The transformation that Daniel had with his body. He's been really lean... He runs different. He's got good agility. He's got great command in the offense. Super intelligent, excellent pass blocker. I think it starts with him.”
Hill has worked directly with running back trainer Brad Lester, a former running back in his own right that had helped Hill trim his weight from 241 to 234 over the offseason.
Not only that, he had prioritized improving his agility and speed, which will significantly help his open-field moves.
Grubb's comments reinforce the idea that Hill is expected to be a major piece of Alabama's rushing attack.
Over last season, Hill had managed to impress many. He secured six rushing touchdowns, with most of them being goalline punch-ins, but he has also shown some versatility in the passing attack.
Hill also flashed as a receiver, finishing with more than 200 receiving yards while posting at least 35 yards in three different games.
Apart from him, Grubb had also singled out true freshman EJ Crowell as someone who has tremendous skill, but also someone who still has a lot to learn.
He had also given praise to running backs Kevin Riley, AK Dear and Trae’shawn Brown, but not nearly as much as Hill.
The junior running back has shown that he can hang in the collegiate level, but he always needed to take that next step.
Now, the OC is taking notice. Should the rest of the SEC be next?
